2018 Yamaha MT 09 launched at Rs 10.88 lakh

India Yamaha Motor today introduced the new version of Yamaha MT-09 in the Indian market with a price tag of Rs 10.88 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). While the 2018 version will also be imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), it has been priced significantly cheaper than the outgoing model.TIMESOFINDIA.COM | November 25, 2017, 01:00 IST

NEW DELHI: India Yamaha Motor today introduced the new version of Yamaha MT-09 in the Indian market with a price tag of Rs 10.88 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). While the 2018 version will also be imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), it has been priced significantly cheaper than the outgoing model.

Targeted towards the youngsters who are stepping up from 600cc sports bike, Yamaha MT-09 is available at selected dealers across the country. However, it can also be a good option for those thinking for downsizing from a large-displacement model and want to ride a light and agile motorcycle.

The 2018 Yamaha MT-09 features a sharper design with LED lights, radiator shrouds and larger air scoops. The rear gets more compact with 30mm shorter sub-frame and the sharp tail-lamp has now been integrated into the rear cowl. The rear fender is also mounted onto its single-sided swingarm which gives a nice look to its rear profile.

While the bike gets some cosmetic updates and a few new features, there is no change in the powertrain. It retains the same 847cc, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 115PS of power and 87.5Nm of torque. The light and compact motorcycle weighs 193kg in the wet condition which is slightly lower as compared to its direct rival- the Kawasaki Z900.

The bike gets adjustable suspension set-up, comprising of inverted front forks and a rear monoshock. The front gets dual disc while the rear gets single disc brake and both are assisted by antilock braking system (ABS) for safe, high-performance braking.

While the Yamaha MT-09 has a lot of reasons justifying its purchase, its higher price than its rivals could create hurdles in its market performance. The bike competes with the likes of the Kawasaki Z900 (Rs 7.6 lakh) and the Triumph Street Triple S (Rs 8.71 lakh), both of which are priced below Rs 9 lakh. Even the fully-loaded new Street Triple RS comes with a price tag of Rs 10.55 lakh (ex-showroom) and offers much better power-to-weight ration.

​​This comes as a surprise to the industry as Rakesh was recently elevated to the position of Directo Sales and Marketing which was the third promotion for him in six years of his tenure in the company.